While no one can ‘heal’ a split end, it is possible to minimise their appearance and prevent the issue from recurring. Read on to learn how to prevent split ends by following a few do’s and don’ts, and discover the Kérastase Résistance range of strand-fortifying hair care.
What are split ends?
It’s safe to say that almost everyone with a head of hair has experienced hair with spilt ends, but do you know how they happen within the hair shaft? Split ends happen when the protective outer layer of the hair (called the cuticle) becomes weakened and worn away due to chemical processing, heat styling and general wear. When the hair’s inner protein core is left exposed, it’s vulnerable to splitting. Despite the name, split ends are more like a jagged splintering of the hair’s core.
How to Prevent Split Ends: The Do's & Don'ts
The best way to get rid of split ends is to prevent them. With these easy-to-follow do’s and don’ts, you’ll be well equipped to maintain silky smooth strands, minus the damage.
Do: be gentle when brushing your hair
Styling your hair can become a hurried process, especially in the morning. However, caring for your precious strands can be done by brushing through your hair slowly and gently. Physical stress on the hair is a huge cause of hair breakage, so taking an extra second to focus on brushing the hair with proper care can make all the difference. Forcing a hairbrush through knots and tangles makes a distinct catching sound, so aiming for silence is key for a gentle brushing process. If your hair is very tangled, be sure to start from the bottom and move slowly upwards as you detangle.
Don’t: overuse tight hairstyles
There’s nothing quite like the glamour of a slick high pony or bun, but it pays to be cautious when it comes to overusing tight hairstyles. These elegant styles are totally okay to use from time to time but crafting the exact same pony every day will put repeated pressure on the part of your hair bound by an elastic. Eventually, you’ll see unwanted breakage and split ends. The solution? Reserve tighter hairstyles for special occasions and opt for softer, hair-friendly ties.
Do: get frequent trims
Perhaps the simplest way to prevent split ends is to commit to regular trims at the salon. Once hair becomes a little damaged with a few split ends, it becomes more difficult to brush. As we know, vigorous brushing can easily create further split ends, so it’s best to halt the process by keeping your locks properly trimmed. We recommend a trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain sleek, healthy hair.
Don’t: tie up wet hair
After a long day and a warm shower, it can be incredibly tempting sweep your hair up into a bun while it’s still wet. In our expert opinion, don’t give in! Wet hair is far more delicate and easily damaged than dry hair, so that slick, convenient up do could lead to split ends or even breakage. Even worse, your hair contracts slightly as it dries, so a tight ponytail or bun could put increasing pressure on your hair follicles over time.
Do: Adopt the right hair care products
Weakened hair can lead to hair breakage and split ends. Adopting products specifically formulated to strengthen the hair fibre is an easy way to prevent split ends in your day-to-day hair care routine. We recommend using our Kérastase Resistance range which promotes strengthened lengths by rebuilding the hair fibre and fortifying the ends to build strong, healthy ends.
Don't: Apply too much heat
We all love our straighteners and blow dryers, but these can be the culprit of breakage and split ends. When trying to get rid of split ends for good, protecting hair from heat damage will be your first step. Before applying the heat, use a hair heat protectant like the Résistance Extentioniste Strengthening Blow-Dry Primer that not only protects hair from heat damage but revitalises and strengthens the hair fibre.
Do: Go to a professional for your new colour
When you lighten your hair, the integrity of your hair can be compromised making some damage and breakage likely. The risk of this only becomes greater when choosing to colour or lighten your hair at home. If you are considering any chemical processing it is important to always leave it to the professionals as they are able to ensure breakage and damage is minimised.
Don't: Skip the treatments
To help get rid of split ends for good, using hair treatments can help target damage and maintain the health of your hair. We recommend adding a split end treatment to your hair care routine at least twice a week - with consistency being key. The Nutritive Fibre Food Hair Serum for Dry Ends is the perfect solution for split ends. This hair serum is formulated with a vitamin-in-oil blend to intensely nourish and replenish the tips preventing split ends and dryness. Another option is to receive a more concentrated treatment at a salon, like the Kérastase 's Fusio Dose In-Salon Treatment. Whether it's at home or in-salon, using a split end hair treatment will help provide the support your hair needs to maintain its health and prevent split ends for good!
Do: Fake it 'til you make it
Although there is no way to 'cure' split ends, using hair styling products like hair oils and serums can help you minimise their appearance. We recommend using a nourishing hair oil like the Elixir Ultime Hair Oil before styling to help seal split end and leave hair looking soft and shiny.
Prevent Split Ends with our Résistance Collection
Our tailor-made Kérastase Résistance collection brings intense resilience to damaged, over-treated hair prone to split ends. This luxurious collection of hair repair shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments help your hair reach new lengths by strengthening hair fibres and revitalising fragile strands. Here’s a breakdown of how selected Résistance products nourish your hair and help protect against future damage.
Résistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo
Designed to support long, strong lengths, our Résistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo strengthens and fortifies hair for reduced breakage. The bespoke formula is enriched with Pro-Keratin to mimic the function of natural keratin to rebuild the hair. Apply to damp hair, gently emulsify the shampoo, massage into the scalp, then rinse thoroughly.
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Résistance Bain Extentioniste Conditioner
Experience a creamy yet light textured indulgent formula with our Résistance Fondant Extentioniste Conditioner. This intensely restorative hair conditioner features Acid Maleic to imbue damaged brittle ends with active healing molecules to strengthen the lengths of the hair. A formula like this is essential to enable you to gently yet efficiently detangle and comb through the hair without sparking breakage. Apply this instant infusion conditioner to shampooed and towel dried hair. Let the Acid Maleic strengthen your strands for 1-2 minutes, before rinsing thoroughly.
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Split ends are a common hair concern that can leave your hair looking dull, damaged and unhealthy. Now that you know the best way to prevent split ends, learn how to repair damaged hair according to the experts.
Résistance Split Ends Routine
Résistance Extentioniste Length Strengthening Shampoo
Length strengthening shampoo for slow growing, damaged lengths.
Résistance Extentioniste Length Strengthening Conditioner
Length strengthening conditioner for slow growing, damaged lengths.
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